early Sept - last reed-bed visits, and more scrub tape luring.

Wednesday 4th saw Andy, later joined by Jerry, starting the final run of visits to rb2 (as most "Acro" warblers have now left, and the Lake level will soon rise. It was quite a productive session with 20 + (4), made up of Wren 1 + (1), Cettis Warbler (3) - a juvenile ringed in August nearby, an adult (M) ringed in the garden in April 2024, and a juvenile ringed at the jetty in August 2023, Sedge Warbler 6, Reed Warbler 6, Chiffchaff 6, and Blue Tit 1.

This was followed by a period of strong wind and heavy rain. The first dry day was Monday 9th, and although it was still breezy, there was just about enough shelter for the rb2 nets from the alder carr. Jerry tried a short session prior to closing down of the site, where the Lake level had noticeably risen after the recent rains. His catch of 14 + (2) was reasonable given the conditions, and was made up of Cettis Warbler 1, Reed Warbler 4 + (2), Sedge Warbler 1, Chiffchaff 5, Willow Warbler 1, and Long-tailed Tit 2.

Another wait for a calm, dry day, and on Friday 13th Jerry was in the scrub but catching was very slow (sunshine and cold start not helping). He delayed the start because of the 4 C temp and his catch was just 8 + (1). Andy was at the jetty, and with wind being the main limiting factor during the previous month, catching there was much more successful at 27 + (5). The species mix for the day was Wren 1 + (1), Dunnock 1, Cettis Warbler 1, Reed Warbler 7 + (4), Sedge Warbler 4, Blackcap 2, Chiffchaff 16 + (1), Blue Tit 1, and Reed Bunting 2.

On Monday 16th, Gareth started netting the scrub before Jerry took over later in the morning. The catch of just 10 + (2) was disappointing (likely contributed to by the sunny weather), with the mix of - Dunnock 1, Chiffchaff 2, Blackcap 2, Goldcrest 2 + (1), Blue Tit 2 + (1), and Great Tit 1.

The last sessions in our scrub area have been rather disappointing (c10), while in the reed beds were much more successful (c20). With this in mind, Carlton opted for the jetty on Tuesday 17th, unfortunately the morning started with a thick mist which affected the bird movements. His catch was just 4 + (1), made up of Wren 1, Cetti's Warbler (1), Reed Warbler 1, Sedge Warbler 1, and Blue Tit 1.

The next day (Wednesday 18th) in the scrub with more early mist was not much better for Jerry, with just 8 + (3), comprising Robin (1), Goldcrest 5, Great Tit 1 + (1), Blue Tit 2, and Long-tailed Tit (1).